Inaugural North Queensland Toyota Cowboys NRLW squad member Tahlulah Tillett has today announced her retirement from rugby league.
A hugely influential figure in the female game in North Queensland, rugby league runs in Tillett’s blood with her father a member of the Cowboys’ squad in the club's maiden season in 1995 and her grandfather Nigel a former chairman of the Northern Pride.
Tillett’s playing journey began as a nine-year-old for the Cairns Kangaroos.
A star junior, Tillett relocated to Newcastle to play NRLW with the Knights for the delayed 2021 season with the birth of the Cowboys NRLW team still two years away.
She returned home to play for the Cowboys-run North Queensland Gold Stars in the BMD Premiership in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, playing a crucial role in the Gold Stars’ historic last-minute grand final win in 2022.
The 27-year-old won a second BMD Premiership in 2024 with the Mackay Cutters. Tillett played halfback for the Cutters in the decider, registering a try assist and three line-break assists in the 16-6 victory over Norths Devils.
Tillett was one of the first signings for the North Queensland NRLW outfit ahead of the maiden 2023 season and became Cowboys NRLW Player No.20 when she made her debut at five-eighth in Round 4 and would hold her spot in the side for the remainder of the campaign.
In total, Tillett appeared in 23 games for the Cowboys and 27 NRLW games in total. She also registered three games for the Indigenous All Stars.
Tillett’s contribution to rugby league off the field, particularly in the Indigenous Community, as a Community Engagement Officer for the Cowboys has been immense.
She was awarded the NRL’s Veronica White Medal in 2023 for outstanding work in the community and schools throughout North Queensland.
“I want to start by thanking my friends and family, especially my Mum, Dad, sister Indianna and two brothers Logan and Lokota for their endless support throughout my rugby league career,” Tillett said.
“To the Newcastle Knights, the North Queensland Cowboys, our fans and coaching staff, thank you for giving me the opportunity to live out my childhood dream. To my teammates along the way I’ll be forever grateful for the memories and the lifelong friendships that we have created.
“To go from a Cairns Kangaroos junior, to playing for the Cowboys, representing my home region and the club I grew up supporting as little girl has meant the world to me. The opportunity to wear the Cowboys jersey is something I will cherish for the rest of my life. Rugby league has given me so much and while I’m stepping away from playing, I’m excited for what’s to come and the new opportunities ahead.”
Cowboys Head of NRLW and Women’s Elite Pathways Anita Creenaune paid a glowing tribute to the retiring half.
“Tahlulah has been an outstanding ambassador for women’s rugby league and a proud representative of her Indigenous heritage,” she said.
“Her passion for the game has always been matched by her commitment to giving back to the community. She is an inspiration to young kids across North Queensland to chase their dreams.
“Winning the prestigious Veronica White Medal is a testament to her tireless efforts off the field and her dedication to making a positive impact.
“Tilly’s legacy will be felt for years to come, as Cowboys NRLW Player No.20, we thank her for everything she has contributed to the game, our team, our Club and the North Queensland community.
“Once a Cowboy, always a Cowboy!”
